The city of Jos in Plateau State has been thrown into a state of tension and uncertainty following a deadly attack that has shaken residents and authorities alike. Within the last 48 hours, the security situation has deteriorated significantly, prompting swift action from both the federal government and local institutions. As of Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the unfolding crisis has not only altered the President’s official schedule but has also forced the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to take the extraordinary step of evacuating its students.
What was initially planned as a routine week of official engagements has now turned into an emergency response effort, with lives disrupted and a community grappling with grief and fear.
President Tinubu Changes Course Amid Rising Tensions
In a clear indication of the seriousness of the situation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has adjusted his itinerary to prioritize a visit to Plateau State. According to a statement released late Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President has postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu in Ogun State.
Originally, Tinubu was expected to commission the Gateway International Cargo Airport, a major economic project aimed at boosting logistics and trade in the region. However, the worsening crisis in Jos has taken precedence, leading to a complete shift in plans.
The President is now expected to arrive in Jos on Thursday, April 2, 2026. His visit is intended to serve multiple purposes: to express solidarity with the people of Plateau State, to commiserate with families affected by the recent violence, and to assess the situation firsthand.
The tragic incident that triggered this response occurred on Sunday night in the Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area. Reports indicate that at least 28 people lost their lives in what officials have described as a brutal and unprovoked attack. Among the victims was a pregnant woman, further deepening the sense of loss and outrage.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers, who were dressed in black camouflage, struck suddenly, leaving devastation in their wake. The nature of the assault has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about security in the region.
Meanwhile, the President’s postponed visit to Ogun State has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 4, when he is expected to carry out the airport commissioning alongside the inauguration of two commercial aircraft.
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UNIJOS Takes Drastic Measures to Protect Students
As security concerns continue to mount, the University of Jos has taken decisive action to safeguard its student population. On Wednesday afternoon, the university management issued an urgent directive ordering the immediate evacuation of all students residing in campus hostels.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, explained that the decision was made in response to what he described as “heightened security concerns” and increasingly unstable conditions in areas surrounding the university.
The evacuation process has been carefully structured to ensure order and safety. Students who live within Jos and nearby areas began leaving campus on Wednesday, while those whose families reside outside the city are scheduled to depart starting Thursday morning.
To facilitate the movement, the Plateau State Government has arranged dedicated transportation services. These vehicles have been granted special permission to operate despite the ongoing curfew, ensuring that students can leave without unnecessary delays or exposure to risk.
In addition, the university has announced that all ongoing semester examinations will be rescheduled. This decision aims to ensure that no student is academically disadvantaged as a result of prioritizing their safety during this crisis.
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Curfew Imposed as Tensions Escalate
In an effort to restore calm and prevent further violence, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area. The restriction is intended to limit movement and give security agencies the space needed to stabilize the situation.
The curfew comes amid growing unrest, as residents took to the streets in protest following the attack. In a display of anger and grief, some demonstrators reportedly carried the bodies of victims, demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities.
Earlier on Wednesday, Governor Mutfwang met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. During the meeting, he briefed the President on the evolving situation, describing it as a series of “sporadic violent incidents” that continued even as efforts were being made to ease earlier restrictions.
Security Forces Intensify Operations
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has deployed additional troops under Operation Enduring Peace. Their mandate is to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent further escalation.
Officials have been careful to describe the perpetrators as “criminal elements,” distancing the incident from the longstanding farmer-herder conflicts that have historically plagued parts of the region. This distinction suggests a focused effort to treat the attack as an act of criminal violence rather than part of a broader communal dispute.
President Tinubu’s visit is widely seen as a crucial step in restoring public confidence and demonstrating federal commitment to addressing the crisis. Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and religious tensions, and moments like this often test the resilience of both the government and the community.
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Navigating the Crisis: Guidance for Residents and Students
For those currently affected by the unfolding situation, caution and awareness remain essential. Authorities have urged residents and students to rely only on verified information from official channels, particularly updates from the UNIJOS Security Division and state security agencies.
Students have also been specifically advised to avoid early morning travel during curfew hours, as movement restrictions remain in place. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately using the emergency contact lines provided by the Plateau State security task force.
As Jos navigates this difficult period, the focus remains on restoring peace, ensuring safety, and supporting those who have been directly impacted by the violence. For the families who lost loved ones in Angwan Rukuba, the pain is immeasurable, and the hope is that justice and stability will soon follow.
The coming days will be critical not just for Plateau State, but for the broader national effort to address security challenges and protect vulnerable communities.
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